Latest Hot Scams: Spams, Phishing, Money Laundering, Lottery

September 30, 2009 — sohandhande

This page covers the latest, hot scams which is still going its round. While we try our best to update this page, it is important to note that the scam you just encountered are not included here yet. Please let us know.

Someone submitted this to us:
By Thomas McAdam
Louisville’s Better Business Bureau, ever on the alert for consumer fraud, has listed its “Hot Topics” list of the top 10 scams affecting Louisville area residents.

Cash4Gold has a D rating with the BBB. Consumers complain that the company is not offering a fair value for their jewelry, and that they’ve had a hard time getting their materials returned. Cash4Gold’s policy is that if you don’t like the offer you’re given, you have to ask for your stuff back within 10 days.

Debtor Solution provides debt negotiation and consulting services. The company is displaying the BBB logo and using the BBB name on its website without permission. BBB feels that this may constitute false and deceptive advertising and may violate state or federal statutes due to its falsely implying BBB membership or affiliation. The company had a California address and an F rating with that BBB. The company has since changed to a Louisville, KY address.

Bailout Scam – This “low interest credit card offer” uses the government “bailout” to trick consumers. In the scheme, the consumer receives an automated call from Rose at the United States Better Business Bureau. The United States Better Business Bureau does not exist. The consumer is told President Obama signed a “credit card release” bill that allows the USBBB to cut the consumer’s credit card debt in half. The representative asks for the consumer’s personal information, including their credit card numbers.

Affordable Limo out of Louisville, KY has an F rating with the BBB. Consumers complain they are not getting what they paid for. Some say they paid for four hours up front, and they only received service for two hours, and others allege they were left stranded with no way to get home. Before you hire a company, check them out first with the BBB at http://louisville.bbb.org/.

Mortgage Rescue Plan Scam – Spam email encouraging vulnerable consumers to contact unscrupulous would-be lenders through toll-free numbers have been making their rounds since President Obama announced this plan that aims to help some honeowners avoid foreclosure. Delete these emails! If you’re looking to refinance your mortgage, talk to local banks and mortgage companies. Don’t fall for an “800-number trap.”

Puppy Scam – A scammer poses as a breeder and places an ad for inexpensive or free puppies in the newspaper. Communicating only through emails, the scammer may claim that he is affiliated with a religious organization and is being relocated to a foreign country and needs to find a home for the puppies. He asks the buyer to wire money for shipping. The offer is a fake, the buyer is out the money, and never receives the puppy.

Rerun Media does business as DVDPawn.com and GamePawn.com. The websites operate like online pawnshops where consumers can sell their used DVDs and video games. Potential sellers register an account and submit their list of game and movie titles for a quote. They then have 20 days to ship their items to the company. Consumers say they’re not getting paid what they are promised, or not getting paid at all. The company has an F rating with the BBB.

Craigslist Scam – Be careful selling items on Craigslist. While the website is legitimate, scammers take advantage of sellers by sending a check for the item, for more than the seller is asking. The scammer asks the seller to wire the remaining money back. Days later, the bank calls saying the check was fake, and the seller owes the bank the money. Don’t EVER wire money to someone you don’t know and trust!

Economic Stimulus Bill Scam – Scammers are rushing in to take advantage of the stimulus package. Don’t fall for an offer that offers “free money” from the government to help pay bills. It doesn’t work like this. The federal spending under the new bill will mostly enter the economy through state and local government spending and through existing government programs that require an application process. Organizations don’t usually give out grants for debt consolidation, or to pay for other personal needs.

Spring Break Travel Scams – High school and college students seem to be attractive targets for dishonest travel operators. Be wary of offers that promise “the moon” for a very low price, or ones that require immediate purchase to lock in the announced rate. Before paying anything, request all details of the trip in writing, including total cost, restrictions where applicable, cancellation penalties, and exact names of the airlines and hotels included in the packet. For more tips, go to http://louisville.bbb.org/.